The 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Quarter has become a sought-after piece in modern coin collecting.
As the first release in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program, it celebrates one of the oldest protected areas in the U.S. While millions were minted, high-grade specimens can fetch impressive prices, with one recently selling for $999.
This article explores why this quarter has captivated collectors and what makes it so valuable.
Coin Overview
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Coin Name | 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas National Park Quarter |
Series | America the Beautiful Quarters® Program |
Designer | Don Everhart |
Mint Year | 2010 |
Theme | Honors Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas |
Obverse Design | Standard Washington Quarter portrait |
Reverse Design | Fordyce Bathhouse with thermal fountain |
Historical Significance | First release in the America the Beautiful series |
Mintage | Millions produced, but high-grade specimens are rare |
Rarity Factors | Condition, full strike details, and original luster |
Recent Sale Price | $999 (for a high-grade specimen) |
Collector Appeal | Popular for being the inaugural coin of the series |
Legacy | A modern collectible celebrating U.S. natural heritage |
Why the 2010 Hot Springs Quarter Stands Out
The America the Beautiful Quarters® Program, launched in 2010, was created to honor national parks and historic sites across the U.S. The Hot Springs Quarter was the very first in this series, making it a key collectible.
Hot Springs National Park, located in Arkansas, has a rich history dating back to its federal protection in 1832. The park is known for its natural thermal springs and historic bathhouses, which were popular destinations for relaxation and healing.
The reverse design, crafted by Don Everhart, features the Fordyce Bathhouse and a flowing thermal fountain, symbolizing the park’s unique heritage.
The Rarity and Value of the Coin
Although the 2010 Hot Springs Quarter had a high mintage, only a small percentage remain in pristine condition. Coins graded as mint state with full details and original luster are the most valuable.
The recent $999 sale was for a high-quality example, likely graded MS67 or higher. Collectors prize coins with sharp design details, particularly in the bathhouse and fountain areas.
As the first coin in the America the Beautiful series, it holds extra significance, making it even more desirable to collectors looking to complete a full set.
A Modern Collector’s Favorite
For numismatists, the 2010 Hot Springs Quarter is a perfect mix of historical significance and artistic design. It connects modern coinage with America’s national heritage, appealing to both seasoned collectors and newcomers.
Circulated versions of the coin are common and affordable, making them accessible to casual collectors. However, finding an uncirculated example with a perfect strike is rare.
Those in exceptional condition often command higher prices, especially at auctions and among serious collectors.
The Coin’s Lasting Legacy
The 2010 Hot Springs Arkansas Quarter is more than just a piece of currency—it represents a piece of American history. As the first coin in a beloved series, it stands as a tribute to the nation’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Collectors and investors alike continue to seek high-grade specimens, ensuring this coin’s long-term value in the numismatic world.
With its recent $999 sale price, the Hot Springs Quarter proves that even modern coins can become prized treasures, blending artistry, history, and value into a single collectible piece.